Updates for the Airfix/Esci SAAB 37 Viggen

Maestro Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Mick Evans

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Beautifully moulded in a pale yellow coloured resin Maestro Models have produced two more simple addition sets for improving the Airfix/Esci SAAB 37 Viggen. The old Airfix/Esci kit was first produced over 30 years ago under the Esci label before being re-released by Airfix in the last 10 years and still remains the only kit on the market in 1/48 scale. The kit suffers from raised panel lines and is very much lacking in detail in the cockpit, wheel wells and inaccurate engine exhaust areas and has blanked off engine intakes approximately 15mm down the intakes. Fortunately earlier releases by Maestro Models have corrected most of the issues with the kit.

K4842 1/48 SAAB 37 Viggen Ram Air Turbine (RAT)

This set is an option that some modellers may wish to add to their Viggen. The set allows the modeller to add the RAT in the deployed position which would normally only be deployed for an emergency due to a loss of hydraulic power. The RAT is sometimes seen deployed on the ground when maintenance is required on the RAT or in the RAT bay. The parts require a little bit of kit surgery prior to being able to be fitted. The RAT is located just in front of the left hand main wing. There is a small panel already highlighted by raised panel lines that can be used for a template although this will then need to be enlarged as per the instructions. The resin set contains a nicely moulded RAT bay with all the hydraulic components and accumulators fitted. The deployed RAT and RAT bay door are moulded separately and the instructions provide good detail on how to install. The RAT impeller needs to be manufactured from thin plastic card or metal by the modeller. The fuselage wall where the RAT bay is to be installed needs to be thinned down to look in scale.

This is another excellent kit from Maestro models and only a moderate level of modelling experience is required to install the set.

K4836 1/48 SAAB JA37 Viggen Engine and Tail Section

This set is designed as a straight fit on to the kit fuselage but requires a little surgery work to install. The rear fuselage needs to be removed from the kit at the front of the reverse thrust exhaust outlets. This can be easily achieved using a razor saw using the front edge of the exhaust duct as a guide. A new engine exhaust and a complete afterburner section are included, and this has the turbine face moulded into the end. You have an option of using a short afterburner as per the Airfix/Esci kit or fitting a scale full length after burner. A set of etched metal afterburner flame rings is also included for the modeller to install.

The new aft end has the profile and detail corrected, which was the major shortfall of the Airfix/Esci kit. The lower thrust reverser doors are moulded into the exhaust duct and now have accurate detail included, the upper thrust reverser door is included separately as this door droops down into the exhaust duct when the hydraulic power for the door bleeds off and is most commonly seen in the drooped position. This door has detail moulded on both sides and is of an accurate shape. Finally the internal shape of the exhaust duct is correct and the external fuselage has been corrected. Detail has been added to the lower surface of the rear ECM fairing and the areas just to either side, and detail has also been added to the rear of the fairings that flair into the wings. This set is the most significant improvement for the Airfix/Esci Viggen and now allows the modeller to produce a very accurate version of the SAAB Viggen in 1/48 scale.

Overall, another excellent upgrade from Maestro models and a low level of modelling experience is required to install the set.

Thanks to Maestro Models for the review sample..

Review Text and Images (except image of assembled missile) Copyright © 2012 by Mick Evans
Page Created 25 June, 2012
Last updated 25 June, 2012

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